February 18, 2017

Richard solid in net as Lancers force game three with Golden Hawks

Julian Luciani scored the game's lone goal as the Lancer men's hockey team kept their playoff dreams alive with a hard fought 1-0 win over the Laurier Golden Hawks in game two of the best-of-three playoff series.

Windsor

Laurier

Final

Windsor

Laurier

Julian Luciani scored the game's lone goal as the Lancer men's hockey team kept their playoff dreams alive with a hard fought 1-0 win over the Laurier Golden Hawks in game two of the best-of-three playoff series.

The win ties the series at one game apiece, with the series deciding game three scheduled for Saturday at 2:00pm at the Waterloo Recreation Complex. The game can be seen live at www.oua.tv.

In an action packed first period, the Lancers had a number of exciting scoring opportunities right off the get go but could not find the back of the net. Chris Scott had the Blue & Gold's best chance with a break away mid-way through the first period but the Golden Hawk goaltender Colin Furlong theoretically stood on his head to make the save. After much excitement, both teams headed to their dressing rooms deadlocked at zero.

The second period saw the visitors firing on all cylinders as they were rewarded with a power play opportunity early in the period. Lancer goaltender Blake Richard was outstanding in net for the Lancers throughout the entire contest, and held off the surging Hawks.

After ten minutes of strong play the Lancers were found themselves on a 5-on-3 power play. Dylan Denomme fired the puck past Furling from the faceoff circle, but it ricochet off the cross bar and ended up in a scramble in front of Furling. Windsor was able to gain control of the puck and Luciani fired a one timer off the post and into the net behind Furling.

In a penalty filled second period for the Hawks, the visitors spent a majority of the frame killing off penalties and were not able to dish up an offense of their own.

Windsor came out to play in the third firing an overwhelming eight shots at Furling in the first five minutes of the period. However, the Hawk goaltender stood strong to keep it a one goal game. Midway through the period the Lancers found themselves shorthanded with a too many men penalty call. The Hawks did not waste any time descending on the Lancers but Richard was up for the task making a highlight reel save to keep the Lancers on top.

With one minute to play, Hawks head coach Greg Puhalski pulled Furlong in favour of the man advantage but the goaltender got caught up and Laurier found themselves shorthanded after being issued a penalty for too many men.

Richard finished the game with 33 saves to earn the shutout, while Furlong made 26 in the loss.

The series will be decided on Saturday afternoon at 2:00pm at the Waterloo Recreation Complex. The game can be seen live on www.oua.tv. The winner of the game will advance to the OUA quarter-finals next week.